74-year-old Gerry Hallman, or Lord Gregorius as he likes to call himself, has devoted the last 34 years to building a castle in his garden.
Named Castle Olt Stoutenburght, the castle is in medieval style and includes four multi-storey towers, a main hall, an armory and an underground cellar.
Hallmann was personally responsible for most of the work and ensured that the castle was improved down to the last detail. The design is characterized by its passion for Roman architecture.
The retiree explained: – I am really a fan of history woman.
Will she lose her castle?
It's all in the head
Although he had no architectural training, self-proclaimed Lord Gregorius believed the castle to be in excellent condition.
He told the newspaper: – I do not have any construction drawings because everything is in my head.
The Dream: Jerry's interest in medieval castles led him to build his own dream castle. Photo: Jam Press
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Hallman said he drew much of his inspiration from books and visits to other castles.
The pensioner previously ran a fashion boutique and used vintage mannequins to decorate the castle. Tower guards and “damsels in distress” can be found around the building.
Exciting million dollar plan
He had to have his own castle
Olt Stoutenburght Castle is located in Hallman Park in the village of Blesdijke, about 110 km northeast of Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
Hallman started the project because he was tired of not having his own castle.
– I have visited many castles, but at some point it was not enough. I had to start building one myself,” he explained to the newspaper.
Although the project has been ongoing for more than three decades, Hallman insists that the castle of his dreams has not yet been completed, and may not be completed in his lifetime.
However, it welcomes guests with open arms, and Olt Stoutenburght Castle is available to rent for both parties and weddings.
Bond Robertson is a contributor to Brytfmonline.com, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle. He is committed to delivering clear, balanced, and reader-focused reporting that helps audiences stay informed about current events and developments. With a focus on accuracy, relevance, and accessibility, Bond writes stories that provide useful insights and highlight issues that matter to readers in their daily lives.